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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forumsmy Dad died
He was brilliant pianist and orchestra leader for 60 yrs....and resilient democratic advocate. In his 90's he was going to poor neighborhoods to advocate for Obama door to door. Scared the heck out of me....even cabs wouldn't go there. Will miss you playing "Rhapsody in Blue" Dad. xoxoxo
Blecht
(3,803 posts)but glad you have so many nice memories!
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)Take care.
: hug:
Warpy
(111,417 posts)I wish some people could live forever.
LittleBlue
(10,362 posts)From what you've said, he lived a very satisfying life.
RIP
Summer Hathaway
(2,770 posts)when we are gone, is to be remembered as fondly as this - and to have such eloquent words spoken on our behalf.
The musician has passed. His music remains.
BlueCheese
(2,522 posts)It's a terrible thing to watch one's parents get older. It sounds like your dad was a good man who lived a long and fulfilling life. Best wishes to you in this difficult time.
rppper
(2,952 posts)You have my hopes, prayers and positive thoughts for the coming weeks. I lost my mother in '05....keep those songs in your head...it'll help....
arthritisR_US
(7,300 posts)like a wonderful and gifted man. I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts of love and strength being sent to you. My deepest sympathies to the pain you're enduring, please take care
mercymechap
(579 posts)and your family. What a wonderful thing your dad was willing to do, he is to be admired for his courage. May your memories of him make you smile every time you bring them to mind.
FourScore
(9,704 posts)applegrove
(118,880 posts)defacto7
(13,485 posts)My father died almost 20 years ago at age 89. I still miss him very much sometimes. But the music does go on.
napoleon_in_rags
(3,991 posts)I can just imagine an old man with talent to hammer out Gershwin on the keys, the compassion to help the poor, and the courage to go to dangerous neighbourhoods to do it. The idea that behind the scenes and the noise, the world has/had this kind of people in it, makes me happy.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)I'm so sorry
snappyturtle
(14,656 posts)Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)davidpdx
(22,000 posts)Losing a parent is hard. I lost my dad 10 years ago this month and he was only 55. Your dad lived a long happy life. If he had a favorite conducting baton (I had to look that up because I had no idea what to call it) you should make sure it stays with him.
mazzarro
(3,450 posts)tblue
(16,350 posts)Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He sounds like such a wonderful, spirited person who could light up any room. Looks as if there are many baby boomers at DU who are experiencing the horrific loss of their parents these days. They were of a generation that so profoundly contributed to this country and are so sorely missed. And as hard as we try, we can never really repay them, can we?
My dad celebrated his 92nd birthday today. It was a surprise, and he was deeply touched. Since there is a little bit of champagne left, I'll raise a toast to your dad as I'm listening to "Rhapsody in Blue."
And for you...sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father.
DFW
(54,477 posts)Be thankful you had him for so long. I lost mine when he was only 78.
ConservativeDemocrat
(2,720 posts)He lived a good life and lives within you still...
- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community
jtuck004
(15,882 posts)We will have some good thoughts for you.
Yooperman
(592 posts)As we all at some point cross this bridge... It's good to hear he lived a full and rewarding life.
You were blessed to have such a father in your life.
YM
Control-Z
(15,682 posts)After so many years together I can only imagine your loss. In just a few sentences you've given us a lovely memory of your father. Even in your grief, you must be so very grateful, and proud, for having had him in your life for as long as you did.
My deepest condolences.
PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)tomm2thumbs
(13,297 posts)Sorry for your loss - no doubt someone who is so much alive leaves a huge void when they leave, but hopefully in time that life will echo in all those who knew him and was touched by him.
life long demo
(1,113 posts)There are no words that can ease your pain now, but in time, the smiles will return. Know that we all have you in our hearts at this time of sorrow.
renate
(13,776 posts)What a fantastic life he must have led. He really sounds like a wonderful, interesting, interested guy.
And what a joy to make a living out of music, which he must have loved so much. A good life.
I'm so sorry.
Granny M
(1,395 posts)What an awesome thing to be out there for Obama in his 90's. I only hope I can be of service like that as I get older. Thanks for sharing your memories of him.
Peace to you and yours.
dhill926
(16,380 posts)Dad sounds like a real cool guy...raising a glass...
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)democrank
(11,112 posts)May your Dad rest in peace.
Kurovski
(34,655 posts)Musicians are like magicians to me.
He sounds spectacular.
MADem
(135,425 posts)It's so hard, no matter how old they, or you, are. You're always their child. They're always your parent.
I wish you strength in the days and weeks ahead. In time the pain recedes, and you're left with fond memories that overtake the sadness. It takes a while, though.
He sounds like someone I would have enjoyed getting to know.
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)He sounds like he was quite a wonderful man.
catbyte
(34,514 posts)life well lived.
peace13
(11,076 posts)You father sounds like a wonderful person. May the light guide his way home!
dembotoz
(16,864 posts)cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)malaise
(269,254 posts)spanone
(135,919 posts)ucrdem
(15,512 posts)So sorry to hear this. He sounds like a great guy.
reflection
(6,286 posts)I'm going through this also now... mine is right behind yours. Won't be long. I'm sorry about your dad and I sure hope he didn't suffer too much.
LiberalEsto
(22,845 posts)Peace to you.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)That is an eloquent tribute you've posted. Hugs and encouragement to you and yours.
Julie
jwirr
(39,215 posts)hedgehog
(36,286 posts)JustAnotherGen
(32,000 posts)joeybee12
(56,177 posts)raouldukelives
(5,178 posts)So sorry for your loss.
SlimJimmy
(3,184 posts)Please take comfort in the fact that time *does* heal all wounds, and although you will always miss him, the sorrow you feel today, will ease with time. All my best wishes to your and your family in this time of grief.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)woo me with science
(32,139 posts)Tikki
(14,560 posts)I love music and the people who bring it to me. He was your daddy and a special man.
Tikki
Solly Mack
(90,798 posts)I'm sorry for your loss.
Sounds like your dad was awesome.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)Walk away
(9,494 posts)I wish I could hear his music. It would be great to hear him play Gershwin. Maybe you could post some here when you get a chance.
elleng
(131,292 posts)My Dad, not a concert pianist but a music lover (my brother has 'our' baby grand, which I recall being hauled through our Brooklyn apartment window 60? years ago,) passed about a year ago at age 98. They'll enjoy music in forever land now.
Bertha Venation
(21,484 posts)Unknown Beatle
(2,672 posts)Sorry for your loss.
AndyA
(16,993 posts)I lost mine almost five years ago, he was 81. It's rare that a day passes that I don't think of him.
Your Dad sounds like he was a great guy, who stood up for his beliefs. That's a trait that's becoming harder to find these days.
Will keep you in my thoughts, I know this is a difficult time for you. I hope your Dad rests in peace and that your memories of him will give you the strength you need during this sad time.
Wishing you and yours peace.
pacalo
(24,721 posts)I'm so sorry for your loss, medeak.
Festivito
(13,452 posts)LoisB
(7,249 posts)glinda
(14,807 posts)Bossy Monkey
(15,863 posts)joesdaughter
(243 posts)SalmonChantedEvening
(31,953 posts)Bless his memory and your grieving heart.
Tumbulu
(6,292 posts)Stuart G
(38,454 posts)nolabear
(42,001 posts)TDale313
(7,820 posts)liberal N proud
(60,351 posts)sorry
Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)I lost my father last July at age 88. He saw so much change in the world, not always for the better.
It sounds like your father was a true advocate for people in recognizing the importance of avoiding a Romney presidency.
adric mutelovic
(208 posts)He will be missed.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)libdude
(136 posts)To you and family and to those who will feel your loss as their own. He created a wonderful world which will continue on in the lives that he touched.
Thanks to all the heartfelt expressions that have preceeded my post and how sharing your stories have made us all a little better than we were.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)and for ours. It sounds like your dad was a great man. Although you are hurting right now, you were fortunate to have such a fine fellow to call "Dad". You're in my thoughts.
MissDeeds
mecherosegarden
(745 posts)RainDog
(28,784 posts)Mira
(22,380 posts)He is loved and missed I can tell, and was a wonderful example. Celebrate the good times, with gratitude.
oneshooter
(8,614 posts)LibDemAlways
(15,139 posts)It sounds like your dad lived a long and interesting life. Hope memories of many good times shared will bring peace and comfort.
upi402
(16,854 posts)I know it too
I'm sorry for your loss
Triana
(22,666 posts)He sounds like a fantastic person. Well-lived. Well-loved. And of course, irreplacable.
rgk7
(4 posts)You can tell by your words you loved him very much. Sorry for your loss
sueh
(1,829 posts)yardwork
(61,748 posts)TuxedoKat
(3,818 posts)for the loss of your beloved dad. He sounds like he was an absolutely wonderful person and to be out working for Pres. Obama in his '90s! -- Wow! I'm glad you had him so long though it's never long enough and that he got to see Pres. Obama elected twice. (((HUGS)))
Liberal In Red State
(442 posts)Stinky The Clown
(67,838 posts)Rhapsody in Blue. The elegance of the Duke, embodied in your Dad.
Mnemosyne
(21,363 posts)trublu992
(489 posts)Happy we got to know something of him thru you
calimary
(81,565 posts)Even when it's expected (of an elder), it's STILL awful when it finally happens.
I'm glad you shared this here. I'm glad I did when my mom died in 2006. People were so sympathetic, and empathetic, and kind. There's so much love and support here. It will buoy you up, too.
ReRe
(10,597 posts)My own Mother, who I lost 5 yrs ago, also was a gifted pianist all of her life. She had a cousin that came to visit us on occasion who was a concert Pianist. I would always ask him to play Hungarian Rhapsody and Mom's favorite was always George's "Rhapsody in Blue." George Gershwin was so ahead of his time. Rhapsody in Blue was ritten back around 1926, I believe. What a musical genius. And if your Father could play it, I wish I could have heard him. Of course, I can in my mind. I made a CD of Mom's favorite tunes and gave it to her friends when she passed. Whenever I see them, they say they still enjoy listening to it on a regular basis.
My heart is with you and your family at this time.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)rl6214
(8,142 posts)timdog44
(1,388 posts)I felt really bad when my Dad died. He was a minister and a very liberal thinker, any path to God, kind of guy, and a straight D party voter. That has been 10 years now. I still cry, but of happiness, mostly, because I got to know him when I was an adult. I am still sad sometimes when I think of him, but selfishly because I would love for him to see that I, in my opinion, turned out to be a good guy too. There will be lots of good memories and sounds like they have already started. Good on you.